“Thank you for your service needs to be more than just a quote break.” -- Wes Moore

They may not know you, but they will fight to protect you. Every day millions of service members and their families make sacrifices to ensure our safety and preserve our freedoms. Many veterans may struggle with physical injuries and live with the invisible wounds that come home with them. Getting acclimated to life at home is often not a simple process.

Showing support and recognition towards servicemen and women is absolutely imperative, but communicating that appreciation may at times be difficult. Not knowing what to say or how to thank someone (especially if you do not personally know them) may be a little bit uncomfortable.

The following video “Wes Moore: How to talk to veterans about the war” explains one veteran’s experience returning home from Afghanistan and how the typical phrase “Thank you for your service,” is not sufficient.

“Wes Moore joined the U.S. Army to pay for college, but the experience became core to who he is. In this heartfelt talk, the the paratrooper and captain — who went on to write 'The Other Wes Moore' — explains the shock of returning home from Afghanistan. He shares the single phrase he heard from civilians on repeat, and shows why it's just not sufficient. It's a call for all of us to ask veterans to tell their stories — and listen.”

To learn about PTSD Awareness Month, click here.

For Veteran Crisis Line Information, click here.